Newborn photoshoot with three-week-old Maisie

When Josh and Jess were expecting a baby just before Christmas, Josh’s father – James – knew just what to get them as a gift: a photoshoot to capture the new family in those precious first few weeks.

“Maisie has changed every single part of our lives,” Josh told me, “and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Indeed, Maisie is not yet one month old, but Jess told me she can’t imagine life without her.

Jess thinks back on how much she used to love going out for drinks in town with her friends – now she only wants to be at home with Josh and Maisie.

Maisie is the first grandchild on both sides, but a second is already on the way: Jess’ sister is expecting a baby in March, which means these cousins will have so much in common by growing up in the same area at the same time.

In the meantime, Jess’ sister has been absolutely besotted with her niece Maisie.

In fact, cuddles with Maisie are in such high demand by friends and family that Josh tells me he doesn’t get a look in when he comes home from work – and it’s not until he puts Maisie to bed that he gets to hold his baby girl!

This couple will never be short for babysitters, that’s for sure!

If and when they do get a chance, this couple love to eat out together, although choosing where can be challenging: Jess loves Chinese food most, while Josh prefers spicy Indian meals and meat on the bone.

Their tastes in TV and film are also slightly different, with Josh loving action while Jess prefers real life. Happily, some programmes combine both, like the 24 Hours in Custody series which they are both enjoying at the moment.

At the moment, Josh and Jess are living with Jess’ parents while they save up a deposit for their own home. 

They hope to stay local though, and are looking for a place in one of the villages surrounding Bicester, so they stay close to friends and family.

Josh and Jess have been together for nearly four years, although they knew of each other long before then.

Josh was in the same school year as Jess’ older sister, and the two would often encounter each other on nights out and through mutual friends.

Josh hopes Maisie will grow up to have Jess’ stunning eye colour and her caring personality. He’s looking forward to teaching her how to play golf, football and video games.

Jess hopes Maisie will get Josh’s skin colour and hair texture and can’t wait for when she starts walking and running around, causing happy chaos everywhere she goes!

One thing Maisie is certain to inherit is a stubborn streak, as her parents say they both have this trait!

Maisie certainly knew what she wanted to do during her newborn photoshoot with me, whether that was gazing at the studio lights or having a little wriggle.

As soon as she fell asleep, however, she entered a long, deep and calm snooze – Josh and Jess are hoping that trying some swaddling at home might yield some similar results! 🙂

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If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in Bicester, Oxfordshire, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

She is the Master Photographers Association Young Families Portrait Photographer of the Year 2022 and Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).